How to Become a Model

If
you want to know how to become a model there are a few easy steps to
take.  First of all is to make sure you qualify.  Even if you're
strikingly beautiful there are other criteria you need to meet in order
to become a professional model, and they're very stringent.   

You have to know the
different categories of model to understand how to become a model.  
High fashion models have to be at least five feet nine inches tall, and
most of them come in at six feet.  You also have to be very, very
slender.  If you're on the short side and your weight is average,
though, it doesn't mean you can't have some sort of career as a model. 
Petite models (five foot four and under) and plus size models (as tall
as the regular models but average to super-sized weight) are very much
in demand for catalog work.  In addition, if you have a part of your
body that's really perfect, whether it's your hands, your feet, your
legs, your breasts, or your butt, you can also get jobs modeling that
way.  Hand models are much in demand for advertisements.  Foot models
are generally used for shoe advertisements, and leg, breast and butt
models are hired for hosiery and lingerie ads.  Some of these models
make even more money than fashion models..   

If you qualify for any of
these modeling jobs, the next step in learning how to become a model is
to get pictures taken.  Models need portfolios to get jobs, and they
have to be professional photos, not snapshots. Investigate several
photographers until you find one you're comfortable and talk to him or
her about the possibility of putting a portfolio together; not only how
much it will cost, but what different styles (s)he can do (formal,
casual) and possibilities for backgrounds.  Another good suggestion is
to do some modeling jobs that you can volunteer for and have pictures
taken there.  Department stores often hire models for seasonal shows,
or charitable organizations will do the same.  If you can get pictures
taken at an actual fashion show in good clothing it will be a big help. 

Another option in learning
how to become a model is to go to a modeling school.  While this costs
some money, they can teach you a lot of things like proper runway
walks, how to succeed on a go-see (a modeling interview), and what your
strengths and weaknesses as a model are.  (If you're a blonde-haired,
blue-eyed all American type, you're going to do better trying to work
for Ralph Lauren than, say, Viktor & Rolf.)  Modeling school is a
good investment, as long as you don't expect them to be able to find a
job for you.  They'll give you the skills you need but you'll still
have to pound the pavement yourself.